Chip Ganassi has kicked off his 35th season in motorsports in much the same way he has concluded the past five years—celebrating either a victory or a championship win. His team has achieved five IndyCar championships in the last seven years, accomplishing two consecutive and three of the last four victories with Alex Palou. Palou, who led teammate Scott Dixon to a Chip Ganassi Racing 1-2 finish in the season opener, returns to The Thermal Club in Thermal, California, this weekend as the defending champion.
While Team Penske is widely regarded as the gold standard for American open-wheel racing—boasting a “Darth Vader” image and a record 20 Indianapolis 500 victories, including the last two—Chip Ganassi has also marked his legacy over the past 35 years. With 16 IndyCar championships and five Indy 500 wins, Ganassi’s accomplishments are noteworthy. Recently, all 16 of Ganassi’s championship trophies were displayed alongside the Borg-Warner Indy 500 trophy at a gala in Pittsburgh. Ganassi was honored with the Daniel M. Rooney Ambassador’s Award, given to individuals who reflect leadership, hometown loyalty, and community contributions.
Ganassi, a Pittsburgh native, has remained close to his roots. Known for his straightforward demeanor, Ganassi prides himself on loyalty, which has been instrumental in building his IndyCar empire. Despite not surpassing Penske in statistics, especially the elusive Indy 500 category, Ganassi’s success stems from cultivating lasting relationships—like with Scott Dixon, the defining IndyCar driver of his era, who has been with Ganassi since 2002. Alex Palou has also been a significant part of the team, staying with Ganassi even when opportunities to leave arose, amidst legal entanglements with McLaren.
Dario Franchitti, who secured three IndyCar championships and two Indy 500 victories with Ganassi and continues as a team adviser, avows that loyalty is at the core of Ganassi’s stewardship. Describing Ganassi as ‘uncompromising,’ Franchitti recounts the team’s dedication to supporting drivers with winning potential.
In a domain where few top team owners make racing their primary business, Ganassi stands out. He, alongside Michael Shank of Meyer Shank Racing, does not rely on external enterprises like car dealerships or other major businesses. Initially aspiring to be a driver, Ganassi’s career shifted after a 1984 injury led him to team ownership. Reflecting on his career choice, Ganassi considers himself fortunate, citing racing as his motivation to avoid traditional employment.
Ganassi’s motto, “I like winners,” is well-known, and he is quick to celebrate victories, often with a playful pat to Palou after a win. Over the years, Ganassi Racing has included a host of stars such as Jimmy Vasser, Alex Zanardi, and Juan Pablo Montoya, now featuring the dominant Palou. Yet, the enduring foundation of the team is Scott Dixon, a six-time series champion whose extraordinary tenure speaks volumes of the mutual loyalty shared with Ganassi.
Dixon admits to respectful disagreements with Ganassi but appreciates the unwavering commitment to winning that defines the team. This desire for victory resonates throughout the organization, ensuring Ganassi’s formula remains as potent as ever.